Kivela Wants Hearing on Privatized Food Services in DOC

MARQUETTE, MI – (Great Lakes Radio News) –109th District State Representative John Kivela is calling for a hearing into the state’s decision to privatize food service in Department of Corrections facilities.

The Marquette Democrat is requesting the State House Criminal Justice Committee look into the recent decision of the state to contract with Aramark, a Pennsylvania-based company instead of continuing with the current state-run system.

Kivela says a 2010 report identified food skimping, safety issues and excessive billings by Aramark in a similar contract in Florida. He says the report also found that Aramark refused to provide requested records related to its food costs, personnel costs and bonuses paid to managers.

Kivela says it is sad that Michigan is going to lose quality, good-paying jobs within it’s communities to contract with an out of state company with a history of not following through, and he fears it will open the door for additional drugs and weapons to enter our facilities, placing all employees and prisoners at greater risk.

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